Entire home

Historic "Wilbur Morse" Friendship Maine Ocean Home

Waterfront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Historic "Wilbur Morse" Friendship Maine Ocean Home

Actual Location and Home of the famous Friendship Sloop!
Jump on in at the Wharf! Summertime fun!
Pick your chair. While watching the Friendship Lobster Boast Races.
Your " Private" wharf from water.
The call of the sea!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 83000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Friendship, ME
  • Place, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park
  • Place, Samoset Resort Golf Course
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Place, Marshall Point Lighthouse
    ‪61 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Futon and 2 Queen Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic "Wilbur Morse" Friendship Maine Ocean Home

***First thing first, every 2024 fall booking includes a freshly caught lobster meal: don't miss out!*** Marvel over the vibrant colors of leaves or over the lobsters; you decide which is best.

Enjoy a stay in renowned "Friendship Sloop" builder, Wilbur Morse's, newly renovated 1800's Victorian Harbor House. The exact location where the famous Friendship Sloops were built and launched. Explore the history and charm of this fascinating Victorian home.

This house is hard to compare to others, as it provides a private boat mooring to use during your stay. Along with your own "Private Wharf and "Dock" with continued water access. You have the option to dock your boat at the wharf --or-- on our harbor mooring, completely visible from the home. The wharf and a harbor mooring is quite a special package offer. Secure your boat in Friendship harbor, float a crate of lobsters at the wharf, fish from your private dock, take a guided fishing excursion or a sail, stick your toes in the ocean, jump off the float for a swim, or launch a kayak (provided by owners) to enjoy a paddle. End your day at the firepit overlooking sunsets on the water or on the expansive deck at the house.

All of Maine welcomes you and the sea breeze is luring you to visit. The changing seasons provides each guest visit a chance to experience different views of the ocean to marvel over. FALL: As summer ends and fall begins; you'll find a combination of warm days with cool (easy sleeping) evenings.

The harbor home provides a perfect Maine setting with memorizing views. You can sail on in by your boat or trailer your boat or kayaks to the wharf, fly in by plane at Boston, Portland or Bangor, or travel the path here by car, as the home is accessible by all. Friendship Maine is located in Mid Coast Maine on the Knox - Lincoln County Line. Providing easy traveling access to Camden, Rockland, Union, Waldoboro, Damariscotta, Pemaquid and Boothbay.


The Victorian is located at the very end of Morse Lane and your vacation days will be filled with watching all the boats of Friendship Harbor; beautiful fishing vessels created by the home's current owner, just as Wilbur created the famous Friendship Sloops; all in pursuit of those special Maine lobsters.


Don't miss out trying Maine's sweetest lobster. Fresh lobsters are dropped at the dock; you choose the best time of the day to enjoy these decadent crustaceans. Merely pull up the crate from the water, pick out the one/s that suits you best and savor.

Enjoy a walk around the popular harbor loop or to the local lobster restaurant for a delicious seafood meal topped off with ice cream. And remember the quaint market in town has everything you can imagine and more. The History of Friendship is found at the local Friendship Museum's Old school house building and their new in town annex. A visit to the local in town artisan shop highlights local talented artists. You may enjoy a visit to Walker's Beach, small and uncrowded. All this is found within minutes of your Victorian.

This Victorian home is full of character, originally built for $1,200 with lumber shipped from Bangor Me. You'll find plenty of space within the house. And the additions of new appliances include a stainless-steel gas stove, dishwasher and two sets of washer and dryer helps you spend more time outside. Five bedrooms provide three twin beds, two full size bed, one new queen bed and one new California King bed. New beds are included on the top floor bedrooms. Three beautiful full baths are located one on each of the three levels. A new family room has been added for the 2023 season complete with games, wet bar and refrigerator.

This home provides lots of outdoor seating and is located on a large lot with an expansive lawn, The lawn is great for lawn games and even hitting a few balls into the ocean. A fifteen second walk and you reach the water. You'll find the old foundation to the boat shop still remains. Quite a special spot to appreciate a morning sunrise, a perfect sunny day, firepit and fireworks. Anytime is perfect to let yourself unwind as you drift along with the waves.

*Make certain to note July is host to Lobster Boat Races and FRIENDSHIP DAY and the week with the first Saturday in August is the LOBSTER FESTIVAL both area highlights.* Other weeks offer neighboring town Lobster Boat Races, Fireworks, Friendship Sloop Races, and visit multiple Local Fairs and Festivals.

Even though we are great animal lovers, some of our guests cannot be around pets so we must restrict pets. Guests do board their pets at nearby centers.

All Covid mandates are strictly followed. Professional cleaning is provided, which washes laundry in hot water and disinfects all surfaces.

We live across town in the summer and are easy to reach. Most of all we love people and are proud to host your visit at the big blue Victorian that Wilbur built by the sea. See you soon!




Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Friendship

Located in Friendship, this holiday home is on the waterfront. General Henry Knox Museum and Marshall Point Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site and St. George River. Travelling with kids? Consider Maine State Prison Store and Penobscot Marine Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Friendship, ME

What's nearby

  • Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center - 36 min drive - 32.1 km
  • Rockland Harbor Park - 36 min drive - 32.1 km
  • Samoset Resort Golf Course - 41 min drive - 36.3 km
  • Tenants Harbor Marina - 51 min drive - 44.8 km
  • Marshall Point Lighthouse - 61 min drive - 53.4 km

Getting around

  • Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Black Harpoon - ‬48 min drive
  • ‪Wallaces Market - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Jameson Point Lobster Company - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Port Clyde General Store - ‬44 min drive
  • ‪squid ink coffee - ‬44 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic "Wilbur Morse" Friendship Maine Ocean Home pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic "Wilbur Morse" Friendship Maine Ocean Home ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic "Wilbur Morse" Friendship Maine Ocean Home ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic "Wilbur Morse" Friendship Maine Ocean Home located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly holiday home is 10.7 mi (17.3 km) from St. George River and 12.2 mi (19.6 km) from Maine State Prison Store. Damariscotta Lake and General Henry Knox Museum are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 90 out of 95 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 95 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 95 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 95 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 95 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love everything about this house. It was our second year staying at the Wilbur Morse house. The house was exceptionally clean. Gil & Sharon take care of everything. We enjoyed visiting Thomaston, Rockland, Camden, and Boothbay Harbor. Friendship Harbor is perfect for paddling. We visit Maine every summer and this is the first house we returned to a second time.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cara K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing getaway

We had an amazing stay at the historic harbor house. With the expansive lawns of the harbor house in the quiet town of Friendship situated near to other more bustling towns, this vacation proved to be the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. We had a fantastic stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

We had a great stay in Friendship. House was clean and spacious for our group. Beautiful views of the harbor. Great hosts, always accessible for any questions.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carrie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Historic Home

We had an amazing time at this beautiful historic home. Gil and Sharon were great hosts. We hope to be back again soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We had the best time just hanging out at the house with our kids and enjoying Maine life. The house was great and the views were amazing. Friendship was a great location for us. We enjoyed the Market and Jamesons and would highly recommend staying here. The owners were wonderful and very helpful and easy to contact and work with.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

PAMHARTTER@hotmail.COM

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun times!

Sharon & Gil greeted us upon arrival to go through the house and explained how things worked, and how to steam all the live lobsters they furnished for us! The home is amazing, wonderful bedding, great views of the water and our private dock!! Definitely would love to come back and stay there again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy getaway

Sharon and Gil were the best, made us feel at home during our Christmas getaway. Pictures only can express the coziness and warm feeling of this house and Town. Definitely will go back. We could not be more grateful for there hospitality
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Marion and Roger L., Norfolk

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful week on the water

Owners are lovely and caring; property is beautiful; neighborhood safe and quiet. Enjoyed the spaciousness of the home; fresh caught lobster out of this world delicious and evenings on the beach by the fire cozy and relaxing. Plenty of sights to see, islands to kayak to and just being in the home with friends and family was great. We hope to come back soon as we all loved being in Friendship!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mitch K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

True Maine waterfront cottage

This property gives you the feeling of being in an old ocean front cottage. Loved to hear the lobster boats leaving the harbor in the early hours. Can’t beat the view and water access. Gil and Sharon met us at the house, gave us an overview of the area and checked in during the week to make sure we were all set.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Stelios T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

August week in Friendship port.

Sharon & Gil, Thanks for your hospitality. We had a new experience in your place with boating, canoeing and lobster boat fishing. Enjoy the rest of the summer in health with your entire family.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pamela R., Carpenteria CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We usually stay closer to Damarascotta where we have family, but this was a wonderful find!

Have never been to Friendship before and this home was a wonderful introduction. Gil and Sharon could not have been better hosts and the property itself was extremely clean and a wonderful location. Friendship not really a ‘town’ per se, but the wonderful Wallace’s store had just about everything packed into a relatively small place. It also had a terrific wine selection! The home has so much history and character; an historic building itself which is lovingly maintained by the hosts/owners.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karl R., Maple Grove

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything we've come to expect

We've rented from Gil & Sharon multiple times and always love it here. Great view in a great location.... close to a lot of area attractions. Kayaking out in the ocean is relaxing and gives a whole different perspective. I'm sure we'll be renting again. Thank you Gil & Sharon for sharing your home!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karl R.

Beautiful and spacious home

Lots of room in this beautiful house. Gil and Sharon were wonderful hosts and met us upon arrival to make sure we had everything we needed. We really enjoyed our stay at their home. Old historic Victorian home with just enough modern upgrades. We also enjoyed using their kayaks and paddling around the harbor and out to the ocean every morning. Thank you Gil and Sharon.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful House

We had 6 adults (3 generations) staying in this beautiful house in Friendship, ME. It was so clean and so spacious. Everything we could have possibly needed was there. The water access was amazing. We saw fireworks over the harbor our first and last nights. We visited several nearby towns and ate lobster every day. Gil and Sharon were fabulous hosts. The only thing I can say about the listing is that it was even better than the pictures.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna S.

A celebration true to the town name!

Thank you, Sharon and Gil, for a wonderful stay! We spent as much time lounging in your beautiful home as we did taking in the gorgeous view. The kitchen, outdoor grill, and abundant dining table invited much feasting and laughing. Thank you for the kayaks and the outdoor lobster cooker and everything else you so generously shared with us. It was an unforgettable 4th of July!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Kathy T.

Relaxing

Very nice historic home with a perfect view and access to the harbor. Comfortable seating and beds/pillows. Town is tiny so very relaxing, giving opportunity to sit, read, walk and watch. Easy access to fun quaint towns with shopping and restaurants. Wonderful owners. Thanks Gil for the lobsters and crabs right at the dock. Thanks Sharon for all the info. I'll let you know if we are related when I find out.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kelli A.

Amazing Maine Vacation!

This house is Amazing and freshly updated throughout. Views are breathtaking right from the home. Both Gil and Sharon are exceptional host and very infomational, in fact the best we have ever experienced. Jamesons is an easy walk and serves lobster and crab rolls, the owners are delightful. The true hidden gem of friendship is Wallace's store. The food there is amazing and we could set there all day and talk with friendly locals. They also stock a complete grocerie store at great prices. Thank you Gil and Sharon for letting us enjoy your beautiful home! We hope to return soon for a longer stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Diane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for adult family get together

True Maine experience: well provisioned local store and seafood restaurant short walk; working lobster boats in/out all day/night; pleasant neighbors; scenic local walk with views of sunrise/sunset. House, grounds, dock are spacious. Note to those unfamiliar with Maine -- a/c isn't a thing. Luckily window units in all bedrooms. We chose to kayak through lobster boats, but didn't swim off the dock. Beach excursions require driving, which was expected. We played whiffle ball in large front yard nightly.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

April L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was one of our best vacations - even agreed upon by all four kids. This house and its history are amazing. The owners met us at check in which was a very personal touch. Communication with them was excellent. The setting is peaceful. Kayaking, lobsters, stargazing and family time were in abundance. Sunrises and sunsets were gorgeous. Friendship was a perfect place as our home base to explore during the day. We had easy drives to Acadia, Camden Hills State Park, Pemaquid Light house, and every where else we went. Hands down we would stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The accommodations at the historic Wilbur Morse home were perfect for our family vacation to the Maine coast. The home is situated in the harbor and it's nice to watch the lobster boats coming and going. Very peaceful area and the property is extremely well maintained. The hosts are excellent communicators and were so helpful when we needed rainy day ideas! A great lobster pound just down the road and a well-stocked variety store (with Pizza) just a bit further. Friendship is situated right between Boothbay and Camden/Rockport, both of which are easy drives of about 30-40 mins. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I visit the coast of Maine often and when I can plant my roots in mid coast for the week with a group of friends, this house/property in Friendship is becoming my go to. I feel like I'm home while staying there. Wonderful view of the water for a beautiful sunrise or sunset. It's wonderful to be able to jump into a kayak on a whim to cruise around the lobster boats without having to drive somewhere else. The house easily holds a group of people giving everyone plenty of their own space to sit out by the dock, sit on the porch, read a book in the family room. Unfortunately, our schedule didn't allow time to sit out by the fire pit. However, I have fond memories from the last time I spent time on the property 3 years ago. Hosts were great to communicate with and were quick to answer any questions. Host dropped off some delicious lobster to fill our needs for 2 dinners. They have done such a fantastic job restoring a charming historic home. I can't wait to come back with friends/family in the future.
Morning light coming through upstairs bedroom window
Main family room
Interior door charm
Front porch
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Bday Trip

We had such an amazing week over the 4th with my family and friends to celebrate a birthday. The owners are so kind and happy to accommodate needs. They even tracked down a pack n play and a couple youth life jackets for us. Sharon suggested a few activities for the kids which they loved. Especially the 4th of July parade. Thanks for an amazing week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Making memories

8 women, 3 generations and This property and landlords were amazing. The women of our family vacation together every several years and this place made this trip a winner for all of us. We love the house and wharf! Many hours were spent around the fire pit. Now everyone has to get a kyack after playing in the ones here. A outstanding setting and host and hostess. They are fantastic ambassadors for the state of Maine. Gil and Sharon thanks for the wonderful memories we made at your lovely house.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karl R., Maple Grove

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect as usual

We love the location.... apparently since we stayed here 4 our 5 times. We had lobster delivered to the dock! Kayaks are a great way to see the harbor and ocean. Sharon and Gil are always gracious hosts. Thank you for making this home available to rent.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Elizabeth G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Property

We really enjoyed this house and property! Sharon was really helpful and kind. We had everything we needed, and the area of Friendship and the surrounding towns had plenty to do as well. Our only wish was for a few more fans—it was a humid week when we stayed!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Gil & Sharon Simmons

Host profile image
The owners grew up in the area and live 5 minutes away. Gil, is a local fisherman and skilled boat builder, having launched many of the boats you'll view in the harbor. And Gil's dad is the oldest fisherman and citizen in the town of Friendship at the age of 98.




Why they chose this property

The owner purchased the harbor house in April 2015 with the intention to restore the home and bring life back into this beautiful property that belonged to Wilbur Morse, inventor of the Friendship Sloops, and by coincidence, the current owner is also a well known boat builder. The first year the owner spent stabilizing the Victorian's foundation, and then he began restoring the life to the home's inside, while keeping the same original footprint and character. Come see the re-do and enjoy the best harbor life found in Maine!

What makes this property unique

The harbor house provides awesome ocean views from multiple rooms, along with the newly refurbished front porch. A perfect place to rock a way, while watching the boats sail by. The house has much to explore from another time long ago, when Friendship sloops launched from this very spot monthly. Not to mention this location is the original home of the Friendship Sloop Races.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests